3 Belgian Chocolate Shops You Need to Try in Antwerp

Belgian chocolates from the Chocolate Line, in Antwerp.

Most people know the quickest way to get your chocolate fix in Brussels is to head to Sablon. But where do you go if you’re in Flanders? Today we share 3 great chocolate shops in Antwerp sure to please even the most fanatical chocolate lovers.

The Chocolate Line

If you only have time to visit one chocolate shop in Antwerp, make it the Chocolate Line. Master chocolatier, Dominique Persoone, calls himself the ‘Shock-o-latier,’ and after taste tasting a few of his creations, I can see why. His flavours include saké, cola, wasabi, chilli, Tabasco, in addition to exotic fruits like passion fruit. There are some flavour combination that just shouldn’t work with chocolate, like basil, tomato and black olives, and there is the (in)famous marijuana chocolate.

Persoone is famed for his edginess. He proudly sports a tattoo proclaiming “Chocolate is Rock and Roll,” with the Rolling Stones mouth and tongue logo. In fact, he created one of his most unique works for a Rolling Stones’ birthday party. The chocolate shooter is a tiny catapult that shoots chocolate powder up your nose. (No really… Watch the video.)

Rock and Roll – The chocolate shooter from Chocolate Line

But The Chocolate Line isn’t all about shock value; there is true dedication to the craft here as evidenced by the client list: Oud Sluis, Hof van Cleve, Pure C, Hertog Jan and De Jonkman all use Persoone’s creations. The Chocolate Line is also one of only three chocolate shops listed in the Michelin Guide.

The Chocolate Line Antwerp’s creations include a bust of Napoleon, a chocolate dress for Miss Belgium, chocolate pills, and chocolate sculptures of popular characters, like the Barbara Papas.

First opened in 2010, Antwerp shop is a relatively recent addition. The Chocolate Line was actually founded in Bruges in 1992. However the Antwerp shop’s setting is a far cry from the modern, edgy chocolate it sells.

It’s located on the ground floor of the Paleis op de Meir, the 18^th century palace was owned by Napoleon, King William I of the Netherlands and King Leopold II. Luckily the chocolate found here is fit for royalty.

Palais op de Meir – a beautiful setting for beautiful chocolates

Worth a taste:

• Apero (Bitter ganache with vodka, passion fruit and lime)
• The Bollywood (White chocolate ganache flavoured with saffron and mild curry)
• The Tequila chocolate shooter (complete with salt and lime)
• The Atlanta (Cola ganache with hazelnut praliné and popping candy)
• Chocolate Lipstick (because who doesn’t want to smear chocolate this good on their lips?)

Where to find it:

the Chocolate Line
Paleis op de Meir 50,
2000 Antwerpen

Chocolatier Burie

If traditional Belgian chocolate and beautiful presentations are your cup of tea, head to Chocolatier Burie. This family run business began in Oostende and moved to Antwerp in 1960. The shop became legendary for its elaborate window displays, which change monthly.

The stunning window display at Chocolatier Burie, Antwerp

The chocolates are a mixture of traditional favourites, like Belgian praline, and new innovative takes on the classics (pineapple marzipan anyone?)

The Burie family is also known for their chocolate creations. They have had some unique commissions: a life-sized chocolate ostrich for the Antwerp Zoo, a full sized chocolate car for Opel, and a giant chocolate cabinet for a local furniture maker.

You can organize group tours to the Burie workshop for €20 per person (which includes a box of chocolates) for a behind the scenes look at the chocolate making magic.

Worth a taste:

• Chocolate Diamonds (almost as good as the real thing)
• Raspberry Cream
• Pineapple liqueur

Where to find it:

Chocolatier Burie
Korte Gasthuisstraat, 3
2000 Antwerpen

Nello

The name Nello comes from the famous children’s story, The Dog of Flanders, set in Antwerp. You can find a statue of Nello, the main character, and his dog, Patrasche, on Kapelstraat. The story is huge in Japan and Korea. So much so, a commemorative plaque was placed in front of the Antwerp Cathedral donated by Toyota.

Just steps from the plaque is the Nello shop. In all honesty, I could find little information about the shop and its history on-line. I did however, taste their chocolate ode to Nello and Patrasche and it was quite tasty. It’s a convenient stop if you are visiting the Antwerp Cathedral or the Grote Markt.

Chocolate Nello and Patrasche by Nello Belgian Chocolates

Worth a Taste:

• The chocolate Nello and Patrasche
• The shop also sells Cuberdons (a traditional Belgian sweet) and Elixir d’Anvers (a famous local liqueur made from 32 different plants and herbs)

Where to find it:

Nello
Handschoenmarkt 10
2000 Antwerpen

So there you have it… eat your chocolate fill in Antwerp at these 3 chocolate shops. Know of another one we should try? Leave your favourite Antwerp chocolatier in the comments below.

Many thanks to Visit Flanders for my chocolate tour of Antwerp. As always, all opinions remain my own.